Sainte-Soulle hosts the 1er Open du Pays Rochelais on May 15-17, 2026 in Sainte-Soulle, France with seven classical rounds and a FIDE-rated Swiss format. The event runs two parallel tournaments to fit different competitive levels, including a dedicated section for players under 1600 rating. Organizers set a strong weekend rhythm with multiple rounds on Friday and Saturday, then a decisive finish on Sunday. A published cash prize fund adds extra incentive for ambitious club players and tournament regulars.
The tournament takes place at the Salle des Associations in the heart of Sainte-Soulle, close to La Rochelle, and it keeps all rounds at one venue. The organizers use a modern incremental time control that rewards precise technique and strong endgame play. The schedule suits players who want a compact three-day open with consistent round times and clear logistics. The event also offers online registration to streamline entry and payment.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 15-17, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Sainte-Soulle, France |
| ♟️ Format | Swiss System, 7 rounds |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated (FIDE June 2026 rating list) |
| 📂 Sections | Tournament A; Tournament B (under 1600 rating) |
| ⏱️ Time control | 60 minutes + 30-second increment per move |
| 💳 Entry fee | Adults: €30 (€35 from May 8, 2026); Juniors: €20 (€25 from May 8, 2026); IM/GM/WIM/WGM: free |
| 💰 Prize fund | €1,500 cash (if at least 100 entries) |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Organizers allow 1 bye before Round 6. |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €400 |
| 2nd | €200 |
| 3rd | €100 |
The organizers publish a €1,500 total cash prize fund when at least 100 players register.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament runs a 7-round Swiss System. Each game uses 60 minutes per player with a 30-second increment per move. The event counts for FIDE rating in the FIDE June 2026 rating list. The organizers allow one bye before Round 6.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament A | Open section | Organizers run alongside Tournament B on the same schedule. |
| Tournament B | Under 1600 rating | Organizers restrict access to players under 1600 rating. |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 1:30 PM | Round 1 |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 5:00 PM | Round 2 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | Round 3 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 1:30 PM | Round 4 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 5:00 PM | Round 5 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | 9:30 AM | Round 6 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | 1:00 PM | Round 7 |
📝 Registration
Register online here:
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/la-rochelle-echecs-17/evenements/open-du-pays-rochelais
The organizer charges €30 for adults and €20 for juniors (under 20), then increases fees from May 8, 2026 to €35 for adults and €25 for juniors. Titled players (IM, GM, WIM, WGM) enter for free. The organizer allows one bye before Round 6.
👥 Organizer
La Rochelle Échecs 17 organizes the 1er Open du Pays Rochelais in Sainte-Soulle and manages entries through the official online registration page and direct organizer contact.
Email: alr.echecs@gmail.com
Phone: 07 44 55 77 02
Website: https://larochelle-echecs.fr
Registration: https://www.helloasso.com/associations/la-rochelle-echecs-17/evenements/open-du-pays-rochelais
🏨 Venue
Salle des Associations, Place de la Mairie, Route de Saint Coux, 17220 Sainte-Soulle, France
The tournament plays at a municipal community hall in the center of Sainte-Soulle. The venue location keeps the full three-day schedule in one place and sits close to La Rochelle. Organizers also offer on-site refreshments and light food service during the event.
🚗 How to Get There
Travel to Sainte-Soulle near La Rochelle, then navigate to Place de la Mairie and Route de Saint Coux to reach the Salle des Associations.
Bring your best weekend focus and turn seven classical rounds into a strong result in the first Open du Pays Rochelais.
Organizer
La Rochelle Échecs 17 is a local chess club based in La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France. The club supports competitive play, training, and community chess. Therefore, it plays a central role in the Pays Rochelais chess scene.
Moreover, La Rochelle Échecs 17 organizes the 1er Open du Pays Rochelais in Sainte-Soulle, near La Rochelle. The weekend event offers FIDE-rated classical chess in two groups, including an Open and a rating-limited section. In addition, the organizer focuses on clear schedules and consistent Swiss pairings.
At the same time, the club invests in youth development through regular coaching and supervised play. Consequently, many juniors gain tournament experience alongside adult players. Beyond that, La Rochelle Échecs 17 keeps communication direct and practical for visitors.
Address: Salle du Cadit, 38 Rue des Frênes, 17000 La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France
Email: alr.echecs@gmail.com
Phone: 07 44 55 77 02
Phone 2: 07 77 05 50 17
Website: https://larochelle-echecs.fr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092395017468
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larochelle.echecs/